Phantoms get ready for new season
The Klops Kamer focuses on events and happenings in the world of the minstrels, placing the spotlight on this beautiful Cape Town culture…
Phantoms Community Development might be seen as the new kids on the block, but they are looking to pull off some old-school tricks to nab their first title.
The team have started training for the new season at Cornflower Primary School in Mitchell’s Plain.
Founding member and director, Achmat Harris, said the team were seen as a “new entity” in the minstrel fraternity, but they will be looking to showcase “a different style” to their items displayed at the competition.
However, he remained tight-lipped about their plans.
“Unfortunately, I can't give our secrets away, so it’s all about creating that wow factor,” Mr Harris said.
The team was started earlier this year when five enthusiastic “klopse people” came together and decided to bring something fresh to the table.
“We worked closely together with another organisation where we were taught all the ins and outs of putting an entire klops on the road. That organisation closed and we decided to carry on and keep the smiles of our fellow klops enthusiasts,” Mr Harris said.
The band exco, who formed part of the previous organisation, joined forces with Phantoms, starting a new journey.
“We were always the ones behind the scenes and operated as the ghost of that organisation and that’s originally where the name comes from.”
The 1200-strong team have members from all over the Cape Flats including Mitchell’s Plain, Manenberg, Hanover Park, Delft, Bonteheuwel and Athlone.
“We stand for creating a platform where our culture can be displayed through local talents on the big stage. Through this we teach respect, discipline, and skills,” Mr Harris said.
Phantoms Community Development have grown significantly over the past few months, with a large part of its operations being the feeding scheme for many of its members and families, most of whom come from struggling backgrounds.
They started feeding 100 people every Sunday and are now cooking for 375 people. “We have also placed a few people into jobs that now feed their families and this is our ultimate objective,” said Mr Harris proudly.
He said the team looked forward to taking on the challenge at the KKKA competition.
“Thousands of people gather at this competition and compete in various items to claim bragging rights,” Mr Harris said.
But with any big organisation, comes challenges and the major obstacle is looking to dress 1200 members for the big show next year.
“We all face financial challenges as we are operating without sponsors,” Mr Harris said.
He added that the team’s transport costs, to get the youth to practice on a Sunday, was already well over R6000 per week. “On top of that, instruments and other requirements such as our colourful apparel required to be worn at the competition, also require funding.”
“Mintrels has always had a negative stigma attached to it. Now, it's much more diverse, played by all walks of life. Through mintrels, many kids have gone to university to get musical degrees where they now teach our kids to play different instruments,“ Mr Harris added.
Follow The Phantoms Community Development Facebook for all their activities and build up to the big carnival next year.
- To feature your minstrel story or team in the next edition of The Klops Kamer, email tauriq.hassen@acm.co.za
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